For many people in the Northern Hemisphere, Australia is right near the top of their bucketlist. This is a country, after all, with great weather, incredible natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru, and some of the best surf in the world.
Australia really rose to the world’s consciousness as a travel destination after the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, when millions of people first became aware of it. The country is set to hold centre stage again in 2032 when Brisbane hosts that event.
As that is only six years away now, many people are starting to plan their dream trip Down Under. But in a country with world-class cities, over 10,000 beaches, ancient landscapes where dinosaurs roamed, and wildlife you won’t see anywhere else, it can be difficult to know where to head.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled this list of 5 places in Australia you simply must visit. Ideally, if you have more time available, you should try to see more. But if you haven’t, those are the destinations you should prioritise visiting when not watching the event.
What Makes Australia So Special as a Travel Destination?
For the visitor, Australia tends to tick every box.
- Incredible natural wonders. Tick.
- Fantastic beaches. Tick.
- World-class cities. Tick.
- Iconic attractions. Tick
- Friendly people. Tick.
The list could go on and on.
Undoubtedly, Australia offers some of the most magnificent travel experiences you could ever wish to experience. It is also easy to travel around, offers excellent food and accommodation, and has great weather. (Although you’ll need to be sensible and take appropriate precautions to protect yourself from the sun).
Is Australia Cheap to Travel To?
Depending on where you are coming from, Australia can be an expensive travel destination.
For instance, you’ll have to pay to fly into one of its major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth, which, of course, could involve a significant outlay. If you want to hire a vehicle or stay in hotels, you’ll likely incur high costs, and food is generally a bit pricier than most visitors anticipate. (However, the quality of it is sensational).
Even so, Australia remains a dream destination for many travellers (and one many people will want to visit because of the Brisbane Olympics). Because of this, some people who come now choose to fund their trip by taking out finance options. There are lots available, including a fast loan for bad credit, which can help you achieve your goal of enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime holiday Down Under.
5 Places You Must Visit in Australia
Choosing the five best places to go in Australia is incredibly difficult. Quite simply because the country offers so much in the way of exciting places, attractions and experiences, that it’s almost impossible to choose.
In fact, you could ask 100 difficult travel experts to name their top five, and the chances are they’ll all come up with a combination. That is what makes the Great Southern Land such a fantastic travel destination.
Notwithstanding, here are our recommendations. (In no particular order).
1. Sydney, New South Wales
Many people think Sydney is the capital of Australia. It is not. That is Canberra. However, it is one of Australia’s top tourist destinations and is often the first stop for overseas visitors.
The city is known for its famous harbour, hence its nickname “The Harbour City”. It is also home to famous beaches, including Bondi and Coogee, as well as iconic attractions such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. (If you get the chance, you should totally climb it at sunset.)
Aside from these headline acts, Sydney has a diverse population, with more than 50% of it being born overseas. This diversity can be found in neighbourhoods such as Chinatown, Newtown, and Surrey Hills, which showcase the city’s multicultural side.
2. Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most famous landmarks and a true natural wonder. Stretching for over 2300km along the coast of Queensland, it’s the largest coral reef system in the world. It is made up of over 3000 individual coral reefs, 600 continental islands, and 300 coral cays, and is home to approximately 1625 species of fish.
You can explore the Great Barrier Reef on various tours that depart from Bundaberg in Southeast Queensland to Cape York at the very northern tip of the state. Some of the best ways to do this are by snorkelling or diving around the reefs, taking a boat tour or even a scenic flight.
You can find out more about the Great Barrier Reef here.
3. Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Melbourne is known as Australia’s cultural capital and offers a completely different vibe to Sydney. It’s famous for its food scene, street art, coffee culture, and love of sport – the MCG is a must-visit destination if you love cricket.
If you’re planning to explore Australia by car, it’s also wise to ensure your vehicle is properly covered before setting off, with options such as NRMA Insurance third party property damage car insurance helping cover damage you may cause to other vehicles or property while on the road.It starts from Torquay, about 100 km southwest of Melbourne, and runs westward to Allensford, about 243 km away.
This drive hugs a coastline offering dramatic views of the Twelve Apostles (giant sea stacks rising from the water). You can also visit several fantastic beaches, rainforested areas, and historic towns along the way.
4. Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory
Uluru is one of Australia’s most iconic places. It also holds deep cultural importance to the local indigenous population.
Located in the heart of the country, this area offers a powerful look into Australia’s ancient landscapes and Indigenous heritage. Watching Uluru’s colours change at sunrise or sunset is a memorable experience you’ll never forget.
You can no longer climb Uluru (that option was stopped in 2019). However, you can take magnificent photos of it, and learn about local Aboriginal culture through guided walks and cultural centres.
5. Tasmania
Tasmania is one of the least-visited states in Australia, primarily because it lies 240 km south of the mainland. But it is well worth making the effort to go there.
This island state is known for its dramatic scenery, incredible wineries, and convict history. Here, you’ll find rugged coastlines, mountains, forests, and charming small towns, all of which will captivate you.
Tasmania is an excellent destination for hiking, wildlife spotting, and eating. The local food produce here is delicious (you have to try a scallop pie)! A great place to do this is at Salamanca Market in Hobart.
One thing you should know is that it can get a bit chilly here, even in the summer. So, if you intend to go hiking, here is what you should wear.
